Streets that were cordoned off by counter terror police yesterday are eerily quiet one day on.

Police officers and bomb disposal teams descended on Penny Black Lane yesterday and cordoned off part of the road whilst searching a flat.

Homes were evacuated for several hours after officers swooped in, in connection with a counter terror probe.

It comes as today a 25-year-old man from Penny Black Lane was charged with a firearm offence.

Simon Tustain was charged with possession of a firearm without a certificate. He is due to appear at Basingstoke Magistrates Court today.

The investigation is being led by Counter Terrorism Policing South East.

Yesterday, residents reacted in shock when their quiet road was cordoned off.

Fay Nickless said: "It is very quiet down here. It is like we are on a curfew around 7 o'clock."

Meanwhile, Meta Davidson said: "This area is always quiet. This is right on the end of the Spinney so it is quiet which we are lucky for I guess."

Speaking yesterday, Chief Inspector Matthew Reeves, District Commander for Basingstoke and Deane, said he wanted to reassure the community about the searches and disruption on Thursday.

He said: “I understand that this is a worrying time in the local community, thankfully incidents of this nature are relatively rare.

“We are assisting our colleagues at Counter Terrorism Policing South East and our partner agencies to address any concerns you may have.

“You may notice an increased police presence, please don’t be alarmed, officers are involved in the investigation and are there to assist and support. Please approach these officers if you have any concerns or questions.

“This is an active investigation so please refrain from speculation, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the community for their support so far with this investigation.”